HC directs police to ensure safe passage for JNU officials

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the city police to ensure safe passage for the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor and other officials to the Administrative Block without being obstructed by the protesters.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva also directed the protesters to hold peaceful demonstrations at the university but not within 100 metres of the Administrative Block.

The court also issued a notice to the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) on the issue.

The court directed the JNUSU's office-bearers to be present personally on the next date of hearing and explain the cause of agitation. The court observed that problem can be resolved through dialogues, counselling and mediation.

The court was hearing a plea of the JNU administration against the blocking of its Administrative Block by the agitating students.

The students had "occupied" the Administrative Block of the university on February 9 against a University Grants Commission (UGC) notification that could alter the university's admission policy, leading to cut in seats for the M.Phil and Ph.D programmes.

However, the protesters cleared the area around a week back without any formal announcement to this effect.

The court has also told the JNU administration to preserve 30 days' CCTV footage and make it available to the local police, if required.

--IANS

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